Viruses & malware help

During processing, we scan every file uploaded to our servers using the latest security software definition files.

How we test files on Download.com

FALSE POSITIVES

It is very common for security software to generate "false-positive" results by misidentifying parts of a program. You can usually quickly determine whether or not your security software is giving you a "false-positive" result by doing a Google or Yahoo search for the name of the software and the exact name of the problem found. Every day thousands of people report "false-positive" malware results via message boards all over the world.

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you are interested in some recommendations for software that can keep your computer clean and free of viruses and other forms of malware, please click the link below to visit the following page:

Our most popular security software

You will see several sort and filter options to the left side of that page, such as price and average user rating, which we hope will help you refine the results and choose a product that best fits your needs.

SECURITY AND ANTIVIRUS CENTER

The Download.com Security and Antivirus Center is a source for the best apps and advice for protecting your privacy and security. Here's what you can find in the Security and Antivirus Center:

• The best apps. Our editors test security software and services and declare a winner.
• Guides. How do you build a better password? How can you identify and kill malware? We'll give you simple solutions to all your common security problems.
• Reviews. We perform hands-on testing of the latest security apps to let you know which are worth a spot on your desktop or home screen.

Click here to visit the Security and Antivirus Center...

GETTING ADDITIONAL HELP

If your computer is infected and you need help dealing with a virus or any other form of malware, we strongly recommend asking our technical experts for help in the forums. They combat viruses and malware every day and are excellent at researching and diagnosing these types of problems.

Click here for help using the forums...

REPORTING MALWARE

Our goal is to provide users with a friendly, safe, and easy-to-navigate Web site. If malware is ever found during our tests, we temporarily remove the product from our library and notify the publisher who created the software. If you believe that you have found malware in a product on Download.com, please double-check the *installation file* of the program with your security software by right clicking it and choosing the scan option.

After you have verified the problem, report it by clicking here and filling out our support form. In the "Description" section of the form, please be sure to include the following information:

1. A link to the Download.com page for the specific software you downloaded
2. What operating system you are running
3. What browser and which version you used to download
4. Detection software used, if any
5. The names of any problems detected, or the names of any additional programs installed

When you are done filling out the form, be sure to click the "Submit" button. You will receive a reply from our support team shortly, usually within 24 business hours.